I was just browsing through the May 7, 2004 issue of Gun List and there is a section in it about some of the high dollar gun auction prices. Thought some of you might be interested to see what firearms from our past have brought:

From J.C. Devine, Inc.
Winchester 1876 sn#1 - $101,500
LeMat Revolver - $23,000
Colt Model 1848 Baby Dragoon Revolver - $10,350
Colt Thompson M. 1928/21 Navy - $33,350
Smith & Wesson New Model #3 (est. $$2,500) - $5,500
Colt Python with low sn# - $2,070
1896 New Army Revolver - $3,162
Sharps 1859 Rifle - $8,050

From Julia's
Nimschke engraved silver plate S&W Number 2 Army revolver - $44,275
Philadelphi Derringer pistols (formerly owned by Robert E. Lee) - $48,875
Two 1st Model Confederate Griswold revolvers (consecutively numbered) - $80,500

Other auctions
Mint Condition Winchester 1873 .44-40 - $683,200
Winchester 1886 50/110 Express - $37,375

Alyeska, those are prices realized for antique arms in pristine condition and with some historical provenance. The '73 was an as new 1 of 1000 model, and I believe that the '86 was also in mint condition with special ordered features. It's needless to say that those kind of guns will never find their way into my collection. I'd much rather have a fine home on a few hundred acres somewhere in the back country. :D

MD

If you can afford to buy at those prices, chances are you ALREADY have that fine home on a bunch of acres in the country! :D